Frequently asked questions about genetic modification

What is genetic modification?

It’s the process of altering an organism by the inserting or removing of small fragments of genetic material or genes to create desirable characteristics. Genetic modification involves the transfer of genes between species that are unrelated in nature, resulting in transgenic organisms or crops.

These genetically modified plants can spread and interbreed with natural plants and so contaminate environments in unforseeable and uncontrollable ways.

There is inadequate scientific understanding of the impact of genetically modified crops on the environment and human health.

Is it the same as biotechnology?

Genetic modification is one kind of biotechnology. Biotechnology is the process of modifying living organisms – but not necessarily through genetic modification. Humans have been using biotechnology for many centuries in crop selection, selective breeding of animals and the development of vaccines.

When did GM crops first get grown in South Africa?

In 1992 the government approved the first controlled field trials with GM crops. These were for genetically modified cotton.

By 1997 the Department of Agriculture issued the first conditional commercial release permits for GM crops. These were for genetically modified cotton and genetically modified maize (herbicide-tolerant maize and insect-resistant maize)

South Africa is the only country in Africa which is commercially growing a staple food of its population – white maize – in a genetically modified form

South Africa is one of only seven developing countries worldwide which are growing genetically modified crops for commercial purposes

What laws does South Africa have to regulate genetically modified crops?

There are three main laws – the Genetically Modified Organisms Act (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Affairs) labelling regulations (under the Ministry of Health) and the Biodiversity Act (under the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism)

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act

This law was implemented in 1999, two years after the first genetically modified crops were planted. It provides for only limited regulation. Among its serious flaws are:

Omission of the “precautionary principle”. This says that in the absence of definitive data proving the benefits and safety of something, we should assume the potential problems are real and address them accordingly. The polluter pays principle is absent.

No mechanism for liability and redress when manufacturers of genetically modified seed contravene legislation

No clear and obligatory procedure and mechanism for meaningful public participation and access to information around how decisions are made to approve genetically modified products

Still too much reliance on self-regulation by the genetic modification industry.

Labelling regulations

These make the labelling of genetically modified products voluntary and place the burden on food producers who want their products to be GM-free to ensure this happens.

The Biodiversity Act

Has a weak clause which says that if the Minister believes it necessary, an environmental impact assessment could be carried out on a genetically modified crop for which approval is being sought.

What’s the situation in the rest of Southern Africa?

South Africa is the only African country commercially producing genetically modified crops. It is also the only country which is producing a genetically modified staple food – maize – on a commercial scale.

At least six of the 15 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries have said no to genetically modified crops.

Other SADC countries and countries in the rest of Africa are developing legislation to regulate genetically modified crops.

Which other countries produce genetically modified crops for commercial purposes?

According to a March 2005 report by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, about 44.2 million hectares of land worldwide is cultivated with genetically modified crops. About 75% of this is in industrialised countries where the crops are mainly soybeans, maize, cotton and canola.

In 2002 the United States of America, Canada, Argentina and China grew about 99% of the world’s genetically modified crops. China – which grows mainly genetically modified cotton - is using a locally developed and commercialised genetically modified cotton crop.

The other estimated 1% of genetically modified crops came from South Africa and Australia.